From the Research
Deeper breathing during nebulization in an unconscious patient is not normal and should be evaluated immediately. Unconscious patients typically have depressed respiratory drive and should maintain their baseline breathing pattern during nebulization therapy. If you observe deeper breathing during nebulization in an unconscious patient, this could indicate respiratory distress, bronchospasm, airway irritation from the medication, or a paradoxical response to the treatment. The nebulized medication itself should not cause significant changes in respiratory pattern in an unconscious patient who cannot voluntarily alter their breathing.
Key Considerations
- Immediate actions should include assessing oxygen saturation, checking for airway obstruction, evaluating the medication being administered, and considering whether the patient is experiencing an adverse reaction 1.
- The underlying mechanism may involve irritant receptors in the airways being stimulated by the nebulized solution, triggering a reflex increase in respiratory depth.
- Alternatively, if the patient is receiving bronchodilators, improved airway patency might allow for deeper breathing that was previously restricted.
- Regardless of the cause, any unexpected change in breathing pattern in an unconscious patient warrants prompt clinical assessment.
Relevant Evidence
- A study published in 2008 found that signs of abnormal breathing among comatose patients with no cardiac arrest appear to be relatively common, with 53% of patients showing signs of abnormal breathing 1.
- Another study published in 2017 investigated the effects of ventilator settings, nebulizer, and exhalation port position on albuterol delivery during non-invasive ventilation, but did not specifically address the issue of deeper breathing in unconscious patients 2.
- The most recent and relevant study to this question is from 2008, which highlights the importance of monitoring breathing patterns in unconscious patients 1.